Restaurants

These are my recommendations for places to eat in Niagara on the Lake. In 2021 we did not travel out of the country but did visit Niagara on the Lake. We stayed in March, August and December. We ate in several restaurants so there are some additions to the list. New restaurants (to us) bolded.

The Old Angel Inn: A block from Casablanca Cottage and a block and ½ from Marrakech Mansion this is the oldest pub in town, with authentic character. Dozens of beers on tap, great pub food. It can be counted on.
Niagara on the Lake Golf Club: In summer, the patio at the golf course just can’t be beat. The view of Fort Niagara, and the activity on the river is excellent.
The Stage Coach: On the corner of Queen and Regent the Stage Coach is a favourite for breakfast and a quick lunch. Our go-to for bacon and eggs.
Butlers Bar and Grill: (AKA the sports bar) On Mary Street next to The Best Western Colonel Butler Inn. They have 6 or 8 TV’s that are always tuned in to the “game” if your game is not on ask and they will switch to your favourite. The food is all made from scratch and it is excellent. I eat there every Friday when I’m in town for house maintenance.
Tide and Vine Oyster House: Mike and Kat decided in 2010 that they wanted to bring Oysters to Niagara. They bought a VW bus, painted it up and started on the Food Truck circuit. They opened a restaurant in Niagara Falls and have been expanding ever since. All this while giving birth to twins.
Silversmith Brewery: Located in an old church in Virgil, next to the GM dealer. The Black Lager is excellent and now available wherever you see the hammer tap. The Pie Plate restaurant is across the road.
The Exchange brewery: Located on Queen Street near the clock tower in what was once the old phone exchange. The brewery is a must do while you are in town. My favourite is The Amber Ale, also available in cans for sipping at home.
Willow Cakes & Pastries: Located kitty corner to Tim Horton’s on Mary Street, Willow makes award winning pastries, quiches, cakes and breads. Stop in for a coffee and a snack or a quick lunch. They make the huge cake for Canada day.
Fournos Bar and Grill: My wife and I were in NOTL for a few days in March of 2021 and ate at Fournos. We had the grilled Octopus and the calamari (again) and they are always excellent. They had a patio next to the bakery on Queen Street last summer. I would highly recommend it.
Garrison House: Great food and reasonable prices. Live music one night a week, specials every night. Across from Jackson Triggs winery on Hwy 55 (Mississauga Street).
Market at the village: The dinner market is located next to Garrison House and runs every Wednesday from May through October. You will find Silver Smith Brewery beer, Tide and Vine with oysters plus many other wineries and food trucks. This is a great way to spend a Wednesday evening. It has been shut down since COVID but will hopefully be back for 2022.
Farmers market:Saturday morning – Spring to Fall – The same location as the Wednesday dinner market, next to Garrison House.
Balzac’s coffee: We used to drink Balzac’s coffee when in Niagara on the Lake, but with a Nespresso machine in the house we make our own great coffee. If you want to get out for a coffee and snack this is the place. You can sit outside and enjoy the weather.
Budapest Bakeshop: Owned by a local couple the bakeshop has been a great addition to town. They are located on Queen Street just down from the grocery store. They have both indoor and outdoor sitting. We enjoyed both the sweet and savoury chimney cakes.
Il Gelato Di Carlotta: Our after dinner stop on Queen Street. Great home-made ice cream.
Pizza Paisa: On Victoria street, behind the Bank of Montreal. It is about a block from either house. They do not deliver, but it is a short walk. They make authentic Italian Pizza in a wood oven imported from Italy.
Niagara Juice Co. Located on Victoria across the street from Pizza Paisa we stopped in and bought soup and sandwiches to take home. The owner was a pastry chef in Toronto so needless to say great pies and of course fresh pressed juices. Our choices were excellent and substantial.
Cheese Secrets: A great cheese shop, located two doors over from the Angel Inn at #38 Market Street. They have a great selection of Canadian and imported cheeses, plus olives and other good things. If you like blue cheese try the Grey Owl from Quebec. Stinky but oh so good. Also try the local Pingue prosciutto, every bit as good as Italian Parma. They have expanded into the adjoining space.
The Royal Canadian Legion branch 124: For a real small-town experience and great fish and chips stop by the Legion on Thursday night. You will find locals and visitors enjoying fish and chips cooked up by Legionnaires and volunteers. Cash only! The money raised goes back into the community.
Masaki Sushi: More than just a Sushi restaurant. I don’t know what took us so long to discover this excellent restaurant. We ate there last in June 2022.
Niagara’s finest Thai: If you like Thai food you will love this restaurant. Lots of seafood, peanuts and chilies if you like. We ate here in March of 2021 the food was excellent. Warning spicy means spicy!
Treadwell: Less than a block from either house. This acclaimed restaurant falls short in our estimation. On our last visit my wife ordered the Lamb and I the Duck breast. The Lamb was huge with a lot of fat, the duck breast properly cooked but not hot enough. The wine I chose was from Daniel Lenko, one of the much praised about but seldom seen wine makers. The wine was the best part of the meal. The bill large!
Ruffino’s pasta bar and grill Fran and I visited Ruffino’s three times in 2021 the food, service and atmosphere are excellent. They also sell bread, wine and munchies to go.